Going for a drink is often part and parcel of a holiday experience. But some bars have more of a history to them than the bog-standard Irish theme pub. In fact, some are notorious, whether it is because of famous cocktails invented there, a reputation for being wild, or dark incidents in their past…
The Hofbrauhaus
Where: Munich, Germany
It’s pretty much an obligatory stop for anyone visiting Munich – think enormous glasses of beer and oompah bands while you tuck into a pork and potatoes-based meal. But aside from the prodigious drinking that goes on – especially at Oktoberfest time – the Hofbrauhaus is best known as the place where Adolf Hitler made his first major political speech.
The Viper Room
Where: Los Angeles, United States
At one point co-owned by Johnny Depp, this Sunset Strip joint was a legendary hang-out for young Hollywood stars in the 1990s. But its most famous night was October 31st, 1993, when actor River Phoenix collapsed outside and died following a drug overdose.
The Long Bar at Raffles Hotel
Where: Singapore
There are very few bars that are continually cited as a ‘must-do’ in a destination, but the Long Bar at Singapore’s Raffles Hotel is one of them. Going there is an exercise in colonial nostalgia, but you’re following in the footsteps of Hemingway and Kipling when you do. Its two most famous quirks are that the Singapore Sling cocktail was invented there and that guests are encouraged to throw peanut shells on the floor after cracking them.
Whiskey A Go Go
Where: Los Angeles, United States
As music venues go, this one is up there. All manner of major bands have played, imbibed and stumbled to the floor in this venue. The most famous, of course, is The Doors. They were the house band in the 1960s, and were sacked after management worked out what the rather dodgy lyrics to The End were.
The Blind Beggar
Where: Whitechapel Road, London
A popular stop on the Monopoly pub crawl, the Blind Beggar would probably prefer to be known as the place where the Salvation Army was born. It’s where William Booth preached an open air sermon that led to the organisation’s establishment. However, most know the pub for its East End gangster links in the 60s – particularly when it comes to the Kray twins. This was where Ronnie Kray murdered rival gang member George Cornell.
The Ten Bells
Where: Spitalfields, London
The big sign listing names opposite the bar gives a stonking great clue to why this East End pub is notorious. The names are the victims of Jack The Ripper, and it is thought that the mysterious murderer met a number of them in the Ten Bells before killing and mutilating them. Today’s clientele are far more savoury characters.
The Woolshed
Where: Cairns, Queensland, Australia
Arguably the most famous backpacker bar on the planet, the Woolshed is almost a byword for dancing on tables, party games that go beyond risqué and severe hangovers the next morning. It’s at the end of Australia’s east coast trail, and few leave with their clothes, let alone their dignity, intact.
The Khao San Road
Where: Bangkok, Thailand
Not so much one bar as a series of dubious looking stalls stretched out along the street, serving ubiquitous buckets of highly potent cocktails. Many tourists will come along out of curiosity, and sit down on one of the plastic stools for a beer. They’ll leave a lot, lot later, having snacked on street food to line a stomach that has Red Bull and all manner of spirits swishing round it.
Coco Bongo
Where: Cancun, Mexico
Chances are that if you’ve ever seen an MTV reality show about young Americans behaving badly on Spring Break, it was filmed here. The giant club is famous for its shows featuring Madonna and Michael Jackson impersonators, but better known for pouring gallons of tequila down everybody’s neck. The cover charge includes all drinks, and people don’t half milk it.
Harry’s Bar
Where: Venice, Italy
Almost universally regarded as the bar you just have to visit whilst in Venice, Harry’s is the sort of place that the rich and famous love to be seen. And you need to be rich too – food and drink prices are astronomical. But, this was where the Bellini and the carpaccio were supposedly invented, and with such a history, Harry’s can get away with it.
This article was originally written for AOL UK.
Copyright David Whitley
